250 watt MH, what's difference ?

[WidebodyFish]

I have 3 250W MH double end bulbs 10,000K. Im looking to get new ones.
Should I get 10k, 14K, or 20K ? What's the difference. I have a 220 gal tank. 30 in high 24 in wide and 72 in long. Is Phoenix better than Ice cap bulbs ?

 

[tosiek]

If you go up to Reef Database and click on lighting guide, Sanjay put up alot of great info on everything. Its worth looking into if you have those questions so take a look at the FAQ and the links on the bottom. Here is the link in case you can't find it.

As far as bulb brands it depends what K your going and ballast that you have. 10/12k is usually Ushio's, 14k is pheonix and 20k people usually go XM or Ushio for an Icecap ballast.

 

[DrHarryLopez]

I use single end Phoenix 14K bulbs
10K made my tank look yellow
14k adds more blue

my frag tank i have 10k, which washs out the corals colors

 

[WidebodyFish]

Harry, Do you mean bleached ? that's what;s happenings to the caps i've tried.
Where's the cheapest place to get 14k Phoenix at ? or should I throw down with 20k for nice growth ?

 

[DrHarryLopez]

Harry, Do you mean bleached ? that's what;s happenings to the caps i've tried.
Where's the cheapest place to get 14k Phoenix at ? or should I throw down with 20k for nice growth ?

No not bleached but just dull, and dark.

ck with Tito Gotham Aqautics he's a vendor on MR, he'll be coming to the meet.

 

[tosiek]

20k isn't for growth, its more for color. 10k is growth.

 

[DrHarryLopez]

20k isn't for growth, its more for color. 10k is growth.

+1
I'd go in btwn 14K